Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has commended President Bola Tinubu, South-West governors and traditional rulers in Yorubaland for his freedom and return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.
Igboho, who was declared wanted during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, returned to the country on Monday.
He had gone into exile following a raid on his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on July 1, 2021, when a combined team of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives and military personnel attempted to arrest him. During the operation, two of his aides were killed, while 13 others were arrested.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Igboho expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for granting him pardon, describing the gesture as an act of mercy and statesmanship.
“I deeply appreciate the mercy and magnanimity of our revered President Bola Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria after intervention by stakeholders in the traditional institution,” he said.
The statement continued: “While I would not take this opportunity and freedom for granted, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the ravaging insecurity and support measures aimed at enhancing peace and socioeconomic growth in the country, mostly especially in the South West.
“It is also very germane to appreciate all the South West State governors, namely Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), for their critical support and enviable roles.
“While commending the South West governors, I want to single out Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the steady development of Oyo State.
“The visible impacts of his administration in virtually all the sectors and enviable infrastructural growth of this state have greatly turned around the aesthetics of Oyo to the envy of all.
“Similarly, I want to congratulate him on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, which showcased noble roles played by statesmen and past leaders, whose significant contributions laid stronger pedestal for the healthy developments being witnessed today.
“But my gratitude over the current freedom which I savour would be ineffectual without recognising the timely intervention of all Yoruba monarchs.
“Special recognition goes to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and other monarchs too numerous to mention.”
“Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes are too massive and I will continue to cherish everyone while also recommitting myself to the peace, unity, growth and protection of the collective interest of our ethnic nationality,” the statement concluded.
